Peruvians Carry On Tradition In Hartford

Peruvians Carry On Tradition In Hartford

October 21, 1991|By BLANCA M. QUINTANILLA ; Courant Staff Writer

New Park Avenue in Hartford seemed at times like a slow-moving purple mural Sunday afternoon.

Hundreds of people wearing purple -- most of them Peruvian-Americans -- assembled in front of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in the Parkville section of the city to continue a tradition that began in their South American homeland in the 17th century.

They came together from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey to honor El Cristo Morado, or the Purple Christ, a painted image that millions of people in Peru believe is responsible for thousands of miracles.

People paraded a painted replica of the image through the streets of the city Sunday afternoon. They say the original image is kept in a shrine called Iglesia de las Nazarenas in Lima, the capital of Peru.

"This is by far the most important celebration in our country during the year," said Ricardo Torres, a resident of Hartford. "When we migrate to other countries, we bring this belief and tradition with us." In Hartford, Peruvians founded the Hermandad del Senor de los Milagros (or the Brotherhood of the Lord of the Miracles) in 1966 to continue the tradition. The members wear a purple habit and are responsible for parading the image of the Purple Christ during religious celebrations.

Sergio Espinoza, one of the members, said the tradition began in Peru after a tragic historical event.

Peruvians said the image of Cristo Morado was painted by black slaves on a wall in the small neighborhood called Pachacamilla in Lima around 1650. It was a manifestation of the religious traditions of the black slaves during that time, they said.

On Oct. 20, 1655, a huge earthquake hit the country, killing scores of people and destroying most buildings in the capital.

"All that stood from the wreckage was the wall where the slaves had painted Cristo Morado," said Espinoza.

"From that day on, people in my country believe that image has special powers and can perform miracles, if you really believe," said Torres, who is also a member of the Hermandad.

They also staged a procession and members of the Hermandad

carried the image of Christ, surrounded by flowers and candles, on a portable altar. The procession moved slowly through the streets of Parkville before ending in the church, where Peruvians held a party with Andean music and traditional dishes.

During the procession, Peruvian women lifted up their infants to the altar to be blessed by the image, said Margarita Cortavarria, the secretary of the Hermandad.

Part of the tradition involves wearing purple. Peruvians dedicate all of October to this celebration and they show their faith by wearing purple, she said.

"Our purpose is to expand faith in Christ among people in this foreign land," said Maria Stanchfield, president of the brotherhood in Hartford. "Our goal is also to unite all Peruvians and Latin American people in this land and to provide them with spiritual support." Juan Acevedo left Paterson, N.J., at 8 a.m. Sunday with about 60 people to attend the noon Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows.

"I am one of the [altar] carriers. My father is one of them," Acevedo said. "I want to carry on the tradition. I want my son to follow up my example. I want him to believe in God and to have faith." Betty Teran, 10, and Jenny Shin, 12, traveled from Lawrence, Mass., to be in the procession.

"This is to honor Christ and Mary," said Betty. "It is a tradition in my parents' country. I want to know what it's all about." Jenny liked the colorful, traditional dresses.

"My parents say it's important to learn about other people's cultures and traditions. That's why I'm here," said Betty, whose parents are from Korea.